Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of Lent. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Lent, here is a brief description. It is a time (40 days) when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline. You may hear lots of people talking about what they're giving up for the next 40 days. These things range from items like chocolate, sodas, and desserts to things like social media, shopping, and even complaining.
Personally, I never knew what Ash Wednesday was because it wasn't something my church did when I was growing up. Only in the past five years or so have I really begun to focus on the true meaning of Lent and what it's purpose is. As with each year, I've spent some time reflecting on my life. Where I'm at, where I want to be, and what things work against that. I came across an article on Facebook that really made me take a deeper look within. It was good for me to do this and I think this intentional season of fasting will be a good reminder to constantly work on and be aware of the following issues.
This year for Lent, the inward things I have decided to give up are gossip and negativity, fear of failure, comparison, and doubt. For gossip and negativity, I will work at being careful with the words I let come out of my mouth and work to build people up rather than tear them down. For fear of failure, I will choose to remember to keep pressing on knowing that we don't succeed without failures. For comparison, I will remember that I am the only me and have unique contributions that only I can offer to the world around me. For doubt, I will choose to remember scriptures saying that God's plan for me is far greater than I could ever imagine and that my future is far brighter than I can ever realize. The outside thing I've decided to give up is time wasted on playing multiple types of games on my phone. I think that every time I have a slow moment and go to pick up my phone to play a game, I will stop and think about the inward things I'm giving up. Not playing the games will allow me to build an awareness to the inward wars going on inside of me and wage war against them. I want to focus on being a healthier person both on the inside and outside so I will continue to work out as well as spend time journaling and praying about the inward stuff.
I think this is a good goal for Lent. It will be challenging, but very rewarding! It will definitely help me draw closer to Jesus and really live life more intentionally. In all I do, I want to bring glory to God. Living life more intentionally and giving up time fillers to seek Christ in the midst of inner turmoil will help me establish an even more firm identity in Christ. In all that I do, I want to seek Him first. Help hold me accountable, friends! Keep it real!